In 2013, there was no more determined a competitor, no more impressive a winner, no more deserving a champion than a golf course in Haverford. For that, the Merion Golf Club, and in particular its 18 tormenting East course challenges, was the Daily Times Sports Figure of the Year.

“It’s a course that’s withstood the test of time,” Phil Mickelson said, while failing to solve Merion during the 2013 U.S. Open, finishing second to Justin Rose, three over par. “And it’s challenging the best players in the world.”

Merion was challenged, challenged back, and won. It deserved to be sports figure of the year in Delaware County … and immediately beyond. So it would have been the sports figure of the year, too, in Philadelphia, which, as has been documented, has had some better ones.

In a calendar year when all five of Philadelphia’s major-league franchises were at some point being led by a coach in his first full season, there was not a single playoff game — not in baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer or football, with the Eagles to enter the postseason in the first weekend of 2014.

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Nonetheless, there were achievements, and winners and memorable figures, all worthy of celebration. So try this as a Top 10, as determined by a blue-ribbon panel of one:

1. Merion: They all came — Tiger Woods, Mickelson, Ernie Els, the doomsayers — and they were all conquered, with every player, Rose included, finishing the weekend above par.

2. Charles “Chip” Kelly: With critics howling that he would never be able to transition from coaching at the University of Oregon to rescuing the collapsing Eagles, Kelly used a speedy offense, his instincts, an amazing personnel touch and some welcome people skills to provide a 10-6 season, an NFC East championship and a sturdy Coach of the Year candidacy.

3. LeSean McCoy: He led the NFL in rushing, set the Eagles’ single-season rushing record, the franchise’s yards-from scrimmage record, and the single-game rushing record.

4. Nick Foles: After taking over as the Eagles’ starting quarterback for the then-injured Michael Vick, Foles threw two interceptions and 27 TD passes, seven alone in a game in Oakland, after which his uniform was shipped to the Hall of Fame for display. Twice, he was the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Week.

5. Sam Hinkie: Though the final results are a long way from being revealed, the new Sixers’ general manager was quick to implement a rebuilding plan, and quicker still to demonstrate amazing eyesight for basketball talent.

6. Jeffrey Lurie: Though it took him a while — a long while … a long, long, long while — the Eagles’ owner finally made a necessary coaching change, from Andy Reid to Kelly. A division championship — and more? — was his reward.

7. Domonic Brown: Long a Phillies prospect, but too rarely a helpful participant, Brown used 12 home runs and 25 RBIs to be the National League’s Player of the Month in May in what would be an All-Star season.

8. Bernard Hopkins: Previously a winner and forever a strong candidate in this unofficial competition, he twice successfully defended his IBF championship. At age 48, he remained the top light-heavyweight in the world.

9. Craig Berube: Becoming the coach after Peter Laviolette was fired three games in, the former Flyers enforcer proved settling, remaking some lines, and tightening a defense and could return the club to respectability.

10. Jack McInerney: Still just 21, McInerney scored goals in 10 of the Union’s first 14 matches, earning a spot on the U.S. Roster for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

There were others. Light-welterweight Danny Garcia, 25, of Philadelphia, improved to 27-0, continuing toward best pound-for-pound consideration. Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg showed some promise as a manager after replacing Charlie Manuel late in a failing Phillies season. Michael Carter-Williams gave the Sixers a complete point guard and a strong Rookie of the Year candidate. And Cliff Lee was an All-Star.

No, it was not the best sports year in Philadelphia. How could it be, what with new-coach introductions outnumbering playoff games, 4-0.